The history of Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh spans more than 500 years. PIC: Carlos Delgado.

The book also explores the symbolism of the monuments and gravestones, which Ms Golledge describes as “the greatest collection of 17th-century mural monuments in Scotland.”

Many of these include skull and crossbones carvings, which she emphasises are “not anything to do with pirates.”

“In fact it is a reminder that death comes to everyone,” she said.

Author Charlotte Golledge has spent 15 years researching her new book. PIC: Contributed.

Having written her master’s dissertation on the kirkyard, Ms Golledge has become an expert in its unique history, particularly the grave of one Thomas Smith.

Ms Golledge, who is also a tour guide, is now in contact with the four times great-grandson of Thomas Smith, and has researched the remarkable history of a family who rose from humble origins into the aristocracy over four generations.

A true labour of love, Ms Golledge explained that she wrote the book having been interested in the site “for as far back as I can remember”.

Her interest in the cemetery began with the 1961 version of Greyfriars Bobby, Ms Golledge said.

She added: “With a natural fascination of graveyards and a growing library on the subject in 2004 I started to document the mural monuments on the east wall of the kirk yard for my own enjoyment and so began nearly fifteen years of research of one of Scotland’s most important burial grounds.

“While the notable members of Edinburgh society took their leave of this world soon to be all but forgotten, their monuments live on, each with their own story to tell.”

“I still see new stuff when I go there.”

Ms Golledge is equally passionate about the future of the graveyard as well as its past.

“I really want the conservation of the graveyard to continue so that it will be preserved for future generations,” she added.

Rev Dr Richard Frazer, minister of Greyfriars Kirk, described the book as a “stunning labour of love” and praised Ms Golledge for “highlighting the stories contained in our special Kirk Yard.”

“It has also come at a fortuitous time, as Greyfriars Kirk will be celebrating its 400th Anniversary in 2020 and it will prove an invaluable resource as we celebrate the past and plan for the future.

“Her work highlights the remarkable stories of the people of Edinburgh and Scotland whose endeavour and enlightenment have done so much to shape our modern world.

“ By cherishing stories in stone, Charlotte inspires us to become living stones, continuing the task of building a better world of wisdom, justice and peace”.

Greyfriars Graveyard by Charlotte Golledge is published by Amberley Books and is available now.